Flying Saucers - Vol 01 No 01 - 1953 05

Magazine Overview

This document is the first issue of the "Civilian Saucer Investigation (New Zealand)" Quarterly Review, dated May 1953. It serves as an introduction to the organization, its activities, progress, and intentions regarding the phenomenon of flying saucers.

Editorial: An Introduction

The editorial expresses pleasure in launching the first issue of the Quarterly Review, aiming to inform readers about the activities and findings of the Civilian Saucer Investigation (C.S.I.) in New Zealand. It notes that most C.S.I. members are married men who pursue this interest in their evenings and weekends, driven by keen interest and a thirst for knowledge. The editorial contextualizes the study of flying saucers within a world of rapid scientific progress, where yesterday's impossibilities are today's realities, citing advancements in science, revolutionary discoveries, and the development of inter-planetary travel, space stations, guided missiles, and nuclear fission.

Saucer investigators are presented as being aware of this progress and open-minded enough to perceive the possibility of space travel becoming commonplace within 50 years. The editorial suggests that these strange craft and the intelligence behind them are subjecting humanity to increased observation, possibly due to the impending arrival of other competitors in space. The keen interest shown by these craft in terrestrial flying objects is noted, with numerous sightings reported over major air bases in America and the Continent, as well as encounters by military and civilian aircraft pilots. Attempts to close the distance to these objects have resulted in their rapid disappearance.

The editorial also mentions that these craft have been observed circling planes horizontally and vertically with ease, even when the planes were traveling at 300 mph. A specific instruction is given to potential witnesses: if a flying saucer or unfamiliar aerial object is sighted, one should carefully note the entry point, sweep of flight, and duration of observation.

The First Flurry

This section details the initial wave of airborne object reports in New Zealand, which occurred in 1939. These objects were described as dirigible or cigar-shaped, seen day and night, moving and hovering with a bright light suspended underneath. For about a month, numerous reports were submitted, with individuals reporting them often facing ridicule. The article notes that around 1908, early attempts at flight in New Zealand were limited to a few brave souls achieving an altitude of 100 yards. Isolated reports of saucer sightings increased gradually until July 1952, becoming prominent in the last three months of that year.

The Civilian Saucer Investigation (New Zealand) was formed on October 13, 1952, to study this phenomenon. The organization has since received over 100 reports of sightings from early 1953, with many submitted privately and a larger percentage gathered from newspaper clippings throughout New Zealand. Dominion dailies and weeklies are scanned for reports by a Press Cutting Service in Auckland, with relevant information forwarded at a nominal fee.

Trimmings from local newspapers are sent by honorary observers and correspondents, allowing the C.S.I. to share material with overseas organizations. A particularly outstanding event in New Zealand's saucer drama occurred on Saturday night, December 6, 1952. This involved a series of correlating reports concerning a singular blue disc and a pair of discs (blue above green) heading south on separate paths. The blue disc was first reported in Gisborne at 9:15 pm and sighted for seven minutes before disappearing south of Invercargill at 11:20 pm, with its speed calculated at approximately 600 mph. A hissing noise was reported at most check points. Earlier that evening, at 8:40 pm, two Auckland observers saw a pair of discs (blue above green) heading south, accompanied by a faint hissing sound. The formation was later seen at Palmerston North at 9:45 pm and Masterton ten minutes after that. All three localities reported identical happenings, and six other reports from different districts on the same night are on file. The hissing noise had been previously noted in three overseas reports from America and France in the previous year. An Air France customs officer reportedly witnessed a cigar-shaped object land and take off, with the account appearing in the French Press and forwarded to the C.S.I.

From Other Skies (Overseas Reports)

This section compiles remarkable and well-authenticated reports from overseas, including America, Canada, Great Britain, South Africa, Australia, Japan, Korea, France, and Brazil, indicating that flying saucers have been sighted globally. The article refutes claims by skeptics that these objects are not reported by seamen, weathermen, or astronomers.

An example cited is from LIFE magazine, April 7, 1952, detailing an incident in the summer of 1948 where Clyde W. Tombaugh, discoverer of Pluto, observed an oval-shaped object with a blue-green glow and visible windows, moving silently overhead from south to north. The object was described as a solid 'ship' unlike anything seen before, trailing off into a shapeless luminescence at the rear. The windows glowed with the same blue-green color, but brighter, with a touch of yellow.

Another sighting reported in the October 1952 issue of TRUE magazine and the English Sunday Graphic of October 5, 1952, involved two pilots flying a large transport at 8000ft. They witnessed six glowing red discs in echelon formation approaching from a distance. The discs suddenly halted, executed an almost instant reversal of direction, and were joined by two more objects that appeared from under and behind the observers' aircraft. The pilots were amazed as the eight discs rapidly receded, blinking out one by one.

A speculative piece by D.A. ponders if flying saucers are tourists from another star. If so, it suggests it might be time to understand why they visit, perhaps taking notes on Earth's behavior. The author speculates whether they will report humanity as "hardly worth our while" or quarantine the planet.

They Laughed...

This section draws a parallel between historical skepticism towards exploration and current skepticism towards flying saucers. It recalls Columbus's discovery of a new world, which was met with ridicule and disbelief, with many believing the world was flat and infested with monsters. Columbus proved these skeptics wrong. The author predicts that a future great adventure will involve a small group of men embarking on a rocket ship into space to find new worlds, and this endeavor will also be met with laughter and ridicule, being called the greatest folly. However, the author asserts that time has proven "impossibilities" to be realities, citing the automobile, aeroplane, radio, telephone, television, and nuclear fission as proof. The author concludes by stating, "All is possible to one who believes. I am a sound believer."

This piece is signed by Albert K. Bek, President I.F.S.B.

Radar Doesn't Lie

This article discusses a radar sighting of flying saucers featured in the December issue of TRUE magazine, written by Donald Keyhoe. It is described as an excellent, well-written, and fully authenticated report that should eliminate any remaining doubts. Donald Keyhoe was employed by TRUE magazine to conduct a serious investigation into the flying saucer puzzle and has also written the book "The Flying Saucers Are Real" and other articles. Keyhoe is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, served in the Marine Corps, managed the historic flight to the North Pole, was aide to Charles Lindbergh, and served as Chief of Information for the Aeronautics Branch of the Department of Commerce. The article recommends Keyhoe's report as essential reading, stating it proves that radar doesn't lie.

Civilian Saucer Investigation (New Zealand)

This section lists the individuals who run New Zealand's only civilian probing organization: President Harold H. Fulton, Committee members Messrs J. Purdeu, E.J.N. Greager, J. Connell, M. Hinge, and G. Gilmore, R.J. LaVaris, and Travelling Representative D. LaVaris.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the phenomenon of flying saucers, their investigation, and the broader context of scientific advancement and space exploration. The editorial stance is one of earnest inquiry and serious research, aiming to uncover the truth about flying saucers without resorting to sensationalism or alarm. There is a strong emphasis on factual reporting and analysis, as evidenced by the planned evaluation of New Zealand sightings in the next issue. The publication also seeks to connect with a global community of researchers and enthusiasts, sharing information and receiving reports from both domestic and international sources. The underlying message is one of open-mindedness towards the unknown and a belief in the possibility of future discoveries, drawing parallels with historical instances of skepticism being overcome by evidence and progress.

This issue of the magazine, identified by page numbers 10-14, features an article titled "SO YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN FLYING SAUCERS?" by HAROLD H. FULTON. The content suggests a publication date in the mid-20th century, likely the 1950s, given the context of early UFO discussions and book reviews.

Article: SO YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN FLYING SAUCERS?

The article directly addresses the reader, posing a presidential query about belief in flying saucers. Fulton posits that the mystery of flying saucers "still defies solution" and that it is becoming "more apparent that flying saucers have an outer-world origin." He argues that if visitors possess mastery of inter-planetary travel, they must have advanced in other sciences to a high degree. Evidence is cited suggesting Earth has been under observation for 355 years, implying that a civilization capable of space exploration 355 years ago would have completely mastered space travel by now, making it as commonplace for them as tram transport is for us.

The frequency of sightings has gradually increased, and Fulton asserts that modern, air-age individuals are less likely to mistake natural phenomena for solid objects. He emphasizes the testimony of highly trained pilots and air observers, stating that their close-range sightings should convince the most skeptical. The article points out that many commercial pilots today are ex-wartime aircrew, trained in stringent aircraft recognition tests. It rhetorically asks how many air aces are credited with shooting down rainbows or mirages, concluding that their reports of flying saucers should be treated with respect and accepted as reliable information, as these airmen have no reason to report untruthfully and would face ridicule and disgrace if their reports were false.

Fulton acknowledges that the world's press has published "explanations" citing atmospheric phenomena as causes of illusion. However, he notes that the public is still less likely to report what can be explained away, yet detailed and inexplicable sighting reports continue to come in. A prejudice exists among "good, solid citizens" who consider it intellectually incorrect to accept flying saucers as anything other than "fantasies." They are described as closing their minds until they witness a flying saucer themselves.

The Civilian Saucer Investigation (New Zealand), in collaboration with overseas organizations, believes that atmospheric phenomena are not responsible for a significant percentage of disc, tube, or cigar sightings. Reports are pouring in daily, with detailed information growing in volume and value. The organization is assured by overseas investigators that "positive information establishes the saucers—and their occupants—as very real," with proof to be released soon. The C.S.I. (N.Z.) observes increased interest from learned men in New Zealand who are trying to find explanations for recent press reports. Fulton suggests that the assistance of these learned men would be invaluable if they were less skeptical and did not dismiss cases as "natural phenomena."

President of the I.F.S.B. in Los Angeles is certain that "saucer people" are aware of these organizations on Earth and their friendly attitude. For reasons unknown, these beings are trying to help the efforts. The gulf between these beings and humans may be so great that it explains the delay in making actual contact. The article concludes this section by asking the reader, "What, NOW, is your opinion?"

THESE THINGS STAND OUT SUPREME ON THIS SUBJECT TODAY

Fulton states that no high authority has yet accepted responsibility to tell the world that flying saucers are indeed inter-planetary craft manned by superior beings from another planet. He considers this a "tremendous undertaking" that may be forced upon authorities by future events and visitations. He also notes that the behavior of flying saucers has never been interpreted as hostile. In fact, "every courtesy" has been shown in cases where their craft and our aircraft have met head-on in flight.

AND FOR YOUR BOOKSHELF

The issue recommends three books: "The Riddle of the Flying Saucers" by Gerald Heard (published by Carroll and Nicholson, London), "Behind the Flying Saucers" by Frank Scully (published by Victor Gollanez, London), and "The Flying Saucers are Real" by Donald Keyhoe (published by Hutchinson and Co, London and New York).

Review: "THE RIDDLE OF THE FLYING SAUCERS" by Gerald Heard

This section reviews Gerald Heard's book, "THE RIDDLE OF THE FLYING SAUCERS," reviewed by E.J.N.G. The reviewer finds the book interesting and notes that Gerald Heard is experienced in writing about scientific subjects that people tend to scoff at. The book provides a readable account of the American scene and the impact of saucers, with early chapters detailing sightings from 1947, including the "Mt Rainer flight of nine objects," up to mid-1950. Heard reports observations in the observers' own words and discusses each report at length, perhaps too great a length in some cases. The reviewer admits to being too familiar with the material to fully appreciate Heard's fervor.

Chapter 11 of Heard's book is highlighted, where he makes deductions that "could be right" but are based on "vague theories." Heard's treatment of the saucers' extreme acceleration and instant turns is praised, and his suggestions about the nature of the passengers are considered plausible, even if they sound fantastic. The reviewer concludes that reading the book will reveal something unexplainable by ordinary means, and that scientists' explanations are insufficient. Heard's book is described as a "fascinating book, not a treatise" and recommended for all interested in flying saucers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the persistent and unexplained nature of flying saucer phenomena. The editorial stance, as presented by Harold H. Fulton, is one of advocacy for the reality of flying saucers as extraterrestrial craft. The article challenges scientific skepticism and conventional explanations, emphasizing the need for open-mindedness and the credibility of eyewitness accounts, particularly from trained professionals. There is a clear belief in the advanced nature of the visitors and a sense of anticipation for further evidence and potential contact. The review of Gerald Heard's book reinforces this stance by endorsing its exploration of the topic beyond simplistic explanations and by validating the idea that something extraordinary is being observed.